S+S Studio (Sundukovy Sisters) x San Si

Brief

San Si isn’t about clichés. It’s a bold, minimalist dive into Chinese tradition – stripped back, turned up, and reimagined with heat and emotion. Clean lines, seductive color and a balance between cultural motifs and modern design make the interior distinctive and memorable.

 

Concept

S+S Studio (Sundukovy Sisters) blended traditional elements of Chinese culture with future-forward design without losing the soul in the process. At its core are three key colors: deep red, rich black, and warm white. Red is for luck and prosperity, becoming the main accent. San Si isn’t just a space – it’s a narrative. And everything inside plays its part.

 

Layout

One word: circle. The shape of unity, flow, and infinity. It anchors the space – from the sculptural central table to the sweeping lines upstairs. The layout ensures guests are always part of the action. From the first step in, your eye hits the lacquered bar – like a glowing Chinese jewelry box – stealing the spotlight on the ground floor. Deeper inside – an open kitchen dressed in chrome, with a glass-brick counter that crackles like a dim sum fantasy.

Upstairs, a wine room hides like a secret garden – private, but still in sync with the story.

And yes, even the lower level got a glow-up: photo zone meets powder rooms. Because why not?

 

Challenges & Solutions

We worked with a fan-shaped ceiling on the second floor to sneak in more tables without losing elegance. Rerouted ventilation around the perimeter to raise ceilings – preserving visual lightness. Built a mezzanine behind the kitchen to showcase a glass-walled wine room, drawing even more guest attention.

And those restrooms – they’re photo-ready. By rethinking their layout, we created a dedicated space for photo sessions, a unique feature of this restaurant.

 

Interior

The facade starts the story with two levels of curved canopies, rising like a modern-day pagoda. A raspberry-colored tiger-print carpet in the reception area references Chinese symbolism and culture.

The bar, with its lacquered surface, evokes a precious Chinese jewelry box – reflecting light and creating depth. It draws the eye and brings a sense of theatricality to the space while geometry echoes pagoda rooftops – structured, layered, alive. Everything’s intentional: pearl-toned porcelain, transparent and mirrored elements that visually expand the space, and wall glass panels that create an effect of infinity.

Details connect the interior to Eastern symbolism of strength and energy, and emphasize the union of past and future.

Decorative glass lights with tassels create accents, soft lighting in the restrooms adds mystery, and reflections enhance the space’s layered perception.

Linear lighting at the bar and soft spotlights in the main hall create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

 

San Si is a place where tradition finds a new voice. Here, minimalism is full of meaning and every detail turns the interior into a visual story of modern China.